History of the Negroni Sbagliato & why it’s so popular today
Italians define “sbagliato” as “a mistake” or “something broken,” but if this cocktail is a mistake, we don’t want to be right!
The story goes that Milanese Bar Basso owner Mirko Stocchetto poured the sparkly mistake for the first time in the 1970s, when he was meant to be pouring a classic Negroni, but reached for a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin by accident. Happily, the outcome was so good that he poured it countless times after that!
It’s no wonder the drink recently enjoyed a renewed moment in the limelight when House of the Dragon actress Emma D’Arcy named it their favourite drink on TikTok.
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Other amazing Negroni variations to try
Now that you know how to whip up the House of the Dragon cocktail everyone has been talking about, here are a few other versions of this wildly popular drink you could try at home:
Classic Negroni
The classic Negroni features Campari, Bulldog Gin, and Cinzano Vermouth Rosso as ingredients, served on ice and garnished with an orange peel and slice. It’s a very grown-up drink with well-balanced bitter notes underpinned by hints of herb and dark fruit flavours, all tied together by the iconic juniper tang of good gin.
Christmas Negroni
In this recipe, you’re going to add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves to your gin and then leave it to infuse for three days. While making the Christmas Negroni takes a little more prep, the winter holiday spices will imbue your drink with something quite gorgeous, so it’s totally worth the bit of extra time.
When to serve a Negroni Sbagliato cocktail
We like to think that Champagne cocktails are suitable for just about every occasion, but there are some events that really call for something extra festive and sparkly. This is why we like to serve a Negroni Sbagliato at:
Weddings
We all love a Kir Royale, but if you really want to lean into the trend of the moment, serving a Negroni Sbagliato will give your canapé-hour that little something extra.
New Year
Drinking a toast to the new year is a rite of passage that we get to enjoy every year. Why not round off this trip around the sun by pouring your guests a meme-worthy drink that is sure to inspire all the hashtags when they post their pics?
After-work drinks
Sure, you can crack open a beer or pour a glass of vino for you and your mates after a long day at the salt mines, or you could follow this super simple Negroni Sbagliato recipe and make a sparkly event of a commonplace occurrence. Live a little!
Best glassware for serving a Negroni Sbagliato
While you typically serve a classic Negroni in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass, the Negroni Sbagliato also looks great in a stemmed glass. So, if you enjoy the effervescent charm of the Prosecco, opt for a large, elegant wine glass.
The broader rim allows the aromatic notes of the Campari and vermouth to mingle with the bubbly Prosecco, enhancing each sip. Plus, there’s something undeniably elegant about holding a stemmed glass that makes any occasion feel a bit more special.
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How to garnish your Negroni Sbagliato like a pro
A simple yet impactful garnish elevates your Negroni Sbagliato, adding a pop of colour and a hint of citrus aroma. The classic choice is a thin orange slice or a carefully twisted orange peel. The citrus oils released when twisting the peel over the glass lend a subtle yet refreshing aroma to the cocktail without overpowering its balanced flavour profile.
For a creative twist, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few pomegranate seeds to add visual appeal and a hint of herbaceous or fruity complexity.
Common mistakes to avoid when making a Negroni Sbagliato
Over-pouring Prosecco. While the Prosecco is the star of this variation, using too much can drown out the distinctive flavours of Campari and sweet vermouth. Aim for a balanced pour—about equal parts of each ingredient—to maintain the harmony that makes this cocktail so delightful.
Skipping the stir. A gentle stir after adding all the ingredients helps to mix the flavours without losing too much of the fizz. Stirring too vigorously, however, will flatten the bubbles, leaving you with a less lively cocktail.
Using warm Prosecco. To ensure your Negroni Sbagliato is as delightful as possible, make sure the Prosecco is chilled before mixing. Using warm Prosecco not only affects the taste, but also makes the cocktail less invigorating. Store your Prosecco in the fridge and pour it cold.
Learn more: Negroni Variations (Unique Recipes to Try at Home)
Perfect food pairings for a Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato’s blend of bitter, sweet, and sparkling makes it a versatile choice for pairing with food. It pairs beautifully with salty snacks like olives, prosciutto, and parmesan crisps, making it an ideal pre-dinner aperitivo.
For a more substantial pairing, try it with rich Italian dishes like mushroom risotto or a charcuterie board. The cocktail’s bitterness cuts through the richness of these foods, while the Prosecco’s effervescence cleanses the palate between bites.
More drinks to try if you love a Negroni Sbagliato
French 75
Aperol Spritz
Hugo Spritz
Kir Royale
